Damn, it's nice to hear some newbies with real potential! Tear Gas and Plate Glass are a case in point. An English duo, consisting of Nathan Dick on "throat destruction" and Matthew Dick on all instruments (including clean vocals), these guys are kicking it in the doomy 'Sabbath old school while introducing enough contemporary elements to keep it fresh.

There are some great riffs to be heard on this disc. 'Washing Your Footsteps' starts with an energetic galloping riff that sounds worthy of Paul Chain ca. 'Alkahest'. The nerve-shredding vocals come in right on cue, introducing a black metal element into the mix, before the whole thing comes crashing down with a slow 'Sabbathy changeup. Tear Gas' introduces the next tune, 'Pawn to King 7', with some nice recorded vinyl pops, then proceeds into a slow metal riff reminiscent of the mighty Electric Wizard or the afore-mentioned 'Sabs', while the alternating clean and dirty vocals vie for supremacy. There's doom-sick, ponderous riffage in store on the last tune, 'Bury Your Fear', which sounds a bit like Ohio's Abdullah in a slo-mo fistfight with Burning Witch.

If you're into any of the above-mentioned bands, as well as tunesmiths like ISIS and Goatsnake, then pick up on Tear Gas and Plate Glass' fine initial effort. Its even got some classy artwork, courtesy of (I believe) Victorian-era fairy tale artist Arthur Rackham. It somehow fits with the music perfectly.